this has echoes of a few decades ago. the USSR was for a while in the driving seat in a few areas of science. USA was reduced to following the advances in science and technology made by their ultimate nemesis. this prompted the government to specifically pursue science education in schools, higher education, fund all kinds of science courses and careers in a deliberate attempt to build capacity as a nation on the forefront.

specifically this lead to the introduction of evolution into school curriculums and the banning of creationism on the basis that it was non-science and actually religion. it also lead to a nation that was capable of putting men on the moon.

sounds like it is happening again. you do not have the USSR any more, but you have a disastrous federal government with its head in the sand, ideology ruling instead of reason and you are starting to fall behind in the world.

australian scientists used to consider going to america for a time to boost their skills and advance their careers. these days they look to china, other parts of asia, or europe. american science is slipping fast.